K-studio is an architecture studio based in central Athens which focuses on Architecture, Interior, and Hardscape Design. The co-founder, Dimitris Karampatakis, joined up to create the studio with his brother, Konstantinos. The team has grown since then to over 80 members and is known for its context-based design which encourages the user to slow down and enjoy the space.
The team works with clients including Four Seasons and O & O in Athens, and TEMES in the Peloponnese. Some of the studio’s international projects are located in Israel, Qatar, Panama and Kuala Lumpur. We sat down with co-founder Dimitris Karampatakis to hear his perspective about K-Studio’s philosophy and future plans.
Dimitris Karampatakis, Co-Founder
What is K-Studio’s Design Process?
Karampatakis shared the design process with us over a Zoom call, explaining how the physical surroundings are always the starting point: “The root design in the plot is the starting point. Then we think about the cultural and contextual understanding, taking into account who was there before us and how they lived.”
Can you Explain More About the “Slow Living” Focus?
“Slow living is taking a bit longer than is necessary to go from one place to another. This is first enjoyable, and then you realize that it’s healthy too. In Greece, we’ve always had an understanding of this – a rhythm through life.” Karampatakis noted that the Greek process of slow living helps reduce tension and helps us process things.
Will “Slow Living” Ever Change in Greece?
“Slow living is becoming more of a luxury in Greek cities, and there is resistance to this. In our projects, we try to create spaces that force you to take longer to get to your destination, while also creating a space for emotional stillness. When in a building, we don’t want to be on high alert – we want to be relaxed. Simple features beyond architecture like a warm light or the presence of a tree can help with this.”
What is the Future of Architecture in Greece?
“There is lots of investment in this space, so architecture in Greece is generally healthy right now. Increasingly, it takes a complex team to produce good work.” Karampatakis also touched on the approachability of Greek architecture: “The scale in Greece is very human. It celebrates life and celebrates humans. This is one reason why Greece is so attractive to tourists.” Karampatakis also sees opportunity in the natural landscape, offering the example of a cave home: “We’re privileged to have a volcano. The effect of digging a hole in the side of the volcano is a form of architecture. When you dig a hole in the middle of London, it doesn’t have the same effect.”
K-Studio Projects
Mykonos Airport Project
The core of the airport experience Studio-K has crafted in Mykonos is based on areas that you don’t need to always run through. They strategically added places of joy where you can have an experience and enjoy your surroundings before boarding your flight.
Liknon on Samos
K-Studio designed Liknon for Metaxa, an iconic alcohol brand in Greece, in a 100-year old vineyard on the island of Samos. The building was inspired by the sweet muscat grape, a special ingredient used in Samos’s sweet wines. The vines of the landscape have a key role in the experience, where visitors can explore the history and fruits of the island in an immersive sensory experience.
Awards
International Architecture Awards _ 2023 _ LIknon _ Winner
DNA Paris Design Awards _ 2023 _ Liknon _ Winner
Architizer A+ Awards _ 2023 _ Architecture +Stone _ Liknon _ Winner
DOMA Greek Architecture Awards _ 2023 _ Completed Work Award _ Liknon _ Winner
AZ Awards _ 2023 _ Landscape Architecture _ Liknon _ People’s Choice _ Winner
AHEAD Global Awards _ 2022 _ Best Suite _ Kalesma _ Winner
World Architecture Festival _ 2022 _ International Building Beauty Prize _ supported by the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust _ Dexamenes _ Winner
AHEAD Europe Awards _ 2022 _ Best Suite _ Kalesma _ Winner
100% Hotel Design Awards _ 2022 _ Best Resort _ Kalesma _ Winner
The list is in fact much longer. To see more examples of K-Studio featured in Greek and International publications, check out their website here.
